Florida attorney general seeks help from feds to shut down blackjack, slots at Seminole Tribe's casinos
By John Holland | South Florida Sun-Sentinel
September 20, 2008
The state's highest law enforcement official is asking federal regulators to shut down the Seminole Tribe's blackjack and slot machine operation, a move that would uphold Florida law but cost taxpayers at least $100 million dollars in gaming profits.
Attorney Gen. Bill McCollum asked the head of the National Indian Gaming Commission on Friday to stop the games and expressed frustration that he's powerless to halt what "everyone acknowledges" is illegal gaming activity on the tribe's seven reservations. The Seminole Tribe has been offering the high-stakes games, called Class III, with the blessing of the federal government under a deal approved by Gov. Charlie Crist late last year.
The state Supreme Court has since ruled the compact is not valid. But the state has no right to enter Seminole property without permission or to enforce its laws on Indian land, McCollum said.
"I know you can understand the frustration of a law enforcement official forced to stand by and watch illegal activities going on with impunity," McCollum wrote to NIGC Chairman Philip N. Hogen.
Under the terms of the compact, the Seminoles agreed to pay the state at least $100 million annually — money that must be returned if the gaming stops. Seminole lawyer Barry Richard this week acknowledged the compact is no longer valid, but said the games and payments should continue until there's a final resolution.
The Seminoles are entitled as a matter of law to operate Class III slot machines because they are permitted elsewhere in the state, federal courts have ruled. But the courts and the National Indian Gaming and Regulatory Act also dictate that that no Class III gaming can be conducted without a valid compact.
The tribe and state unsuccessfully negotiated for 16 years until Crist brokered a deal.
Because the state and tribe are each sovereign, they can't sue each other in any court. Only the NIGC has the power to regulate or halt gaming on tribal lands.
"We are reviewing the letter and looking at the situation to see what should happen next," said NIGC spokesman Shawn Pensoneau.
By John Holland | South Florida Sun-Sentinel
September 20, 2008
The state's highest law enforcement official is asking federal regulators to shut down the Seminole Tribe's blackjack and slot machine operation, a move that would uphold Florida law but cost taxpayers at least $100 million dollars in gaming profits.
Attorney Gen. Bill McCollum asked the head of the National Indian Gaming Commission on Friday to stop the games and expressed frustration that he's powerless to halt what "everyone acknowledges" is illegal gaming activity on the tribe's seven reservations. The Seminole Tribe has been offering the high-stakes games, called Class III, with the blessing of the federal government under a deal approved by Gov. Charlie Crist late last year.
The state Supreme Court has since ruled the compact is not valid. But the state has no right to enter Seminole property without permission or to enforce its laws on Indian land, McCollum said.
"I know you can understand the frustration of a law enforcement official forced to stand by and watch illegal activities going on with impunity," McCollum wrote to NIGC Chairman Philip N. Hogen.
Under the terms of the compact, the Seminoles agreed to pay the state at least $100 million annually — money that must be returned if the gaming stops. Seminole lawyer Barry Richard this week acknowledged the compact is no longer valid, but said the games and payments should continue until there's a final resolution.
The Seminoles are entitled as a matter of law to operate Class III slot machines because they are permitted elsewhere in the state, federal courts have ruled. But the courts and the National Indian Gaming and Regulatory Act also dictate that that no Class III gaming can be conducted without a valid compact.
The tribe and state unsuccessfully negotiated for 16 years until Crist brokered a deal.
Because the state and tribe are each sovereign, they can't sue each other in any court. Only the NIGC has the power to regulate or halt gaming on tribal lands.
"We are reviewing the letter and looking at the situation to see what should happen next," said NIGC spokesman Shawn Pensoneau.
McCollum, who was considered one of the most conservative members of Congress for many years, was lambasted by Martinez as "the darling of homosexual extremists" due to his vote in favor of gay hate crimes legislation. Connie Mack appeared with McCollum at a press conference to denounce Martinez's comments. Martinez went on to win the primary on August 31 by a wide margin, defeating McCollum in most parts of Florida with the exception of the Tampa Bay area. :hump:
hno:
hno:
The first problem here is that the Indians got a great deal and that they are not paying the state enough money. $100 million is a joke based upon how much money they are bringing in. The Indians won't release their numbers to anyone but they are making a fortune. They won't even disclose the payouts on their machines. They regulate themselves so you guys that play there are crazy because there is no casino control commission.
